New concept-no check!

I just got the April Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel, and under Trendsetting they mention a surprising number (any more than none as far as I would have guessed) of restaurants that allow the customer to pay what they feel is right. A Seattle suburban coffee has a number of regulars that drop in a $20 every Friday for the weeks worth of coffee. A fellow in Australia opened his first restaurant in 2000 and now is working on his 6th location. There's no web link but there's not much more of the story to report.
I think your veggie, organic-type places might find this business plan possible but certainly not a supper club, waiter/waitress type of place. For myself, I could see a sandwich or soup sort of place where the bill is $10 or under but a good steak or an imaginative meal might scare me off. An owner in Vienna said most people over pay.

I'm afraid I'd overpay for my Jake's pastrami.

Did someone say Jake's?

Mil - That April issue of Frommer's... it the trendsetting article dated April 1st by any chance?

Looks legit, here's a link

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2003558690_terrabite06e.html

I think the no check concept might scare a lot of people off.

It's about like classified ads offering a car for sale with no price listed, only a "make offer". Most people won't respond to that ad because they fear they'll either insult you with a low-ball offer or otherwise will over pay.

This idea also reeks of "trendy" and pretentious.

I would try it out. I often over tip. The wife was a wait staff person. So I do count the wait staff in on my value for a meal or entertainment vaule.

I think you would go broke in a short period of time.

Please tell me Peter Lugar will join in on this lol

quote:

Originally posted by myterry2

I think you would go broke in a short period of time.

AMEN!!!!!!

It always happens first in New York City. Do the old timers here still remember the low income people who used to tie up all the tables at the Horn and Hardart Automat (and stunk up the joint)? Wait until the homeless people find the Terra Bite Lounge.

quote:

Originally posted by David_NYC
It always happens first in New York City. Wait until the homeless people find the Terra Bite Lounge.

No Doubt And that's very funny. Heres a quarter for that steak aqnd salad and can I use your men's room I need a shower now.
Jack

I saw the same artical and at first thought it was a soup kitchen sort of place for people that can't afford to eat. I had no idea that these places existed. I would be hestitant to open such a place for fear that I couldn't pay for food costs, electric, etc